A man in his 50s has been fined RM20,000 (approximately S$6,300) by a Malaysian court after he was caught filling his Singapore-registered vehicle with subsidised RON95 petrol.
According to Malaysian media reports, the man pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced on Jul. 2. He paid the fine on the same day, avoiding a three-month jail term that would have been imposed if he failed to settle the penalty.
The offender was both the driver and owner of the Singapore-registered car involved in the case.
First Arrest Since New Fuel Restriction Took Effect
The case is believed to be the first successful prosecution under Malaysia’s latest enforcement measures targeting foreign-registered vehicles that purchase subsidised RON95 fuel.
Malaysia officially prohibited foreign-registered vehicles from purchasing RON95 petrol from Apr. 1, 2026, as part of efforts to ensure that fuel subsidies benefit Malaysian citizens and residents.
Authorities said the man was detained during an enforcement operation at a petrol station at around 10pm on Apr. 9, just days after the restriction came into force.
The case was subsequently brought before the courts, where the driver admitted to the offence.
Malaysian Authorities Stress Commitment To Enforcement
Following the conviction, officials from Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living highlighted the importance of strict enforcement against the misuse of subsidised goods.
The ministry’s Johor chapter director said the successful prosecution demonstrated the government’s continued commitment to preventing abuse of controlled goods, safeguarding consumer interests and maintaining the stability of national fuel supplies.
Malaysia heavily subsidises RON95 petrol for its citizens, resulting in fuel prices that are significantly lower than those in neighbouring countries. To prevent cross-border abuse of the subsidy system, foreign-registered vehicles are required to purchase higher-priced fuel grades instead.
The latest conviction serves as a reminder to Singapore motorists travelling into Malaysia that purchasing subsidised RON95 petrol remains an offence and can result in substantial financial penalties.
Drivers heading across the Causeway are advised to ensure they use fuel grades permitted for foreign-registered vehicles to avoid running afoul of Malaysian regulations.